Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

10 to 20 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Surprisingly good"

Good:
-beautiful landscapes and scenery
-detailed and authentic looking European surroundings
-surprisingly good visuals and realistic cinematic effects (explosions, fire, smoke, etc.)
-ability to choose play styles on each missions (stealth vs assault)
-shooting mechanics are solid and enjoyable
-a couple of cool stealth techniques (such as silenced stealth kills and the ability to wear Nazi uniforms of those you have killed to better blend in)
-ability to climb almost any building or structure in each city
-lengthy campaign with a variety of missions
-numerous unlockable and upgradeable weapons, equipment, and explosives
-a large selection of vehicles that you can store in your "garage"
-ability to unlock useful perks from completing certain challenges
-destroying and sabotaging Nazi equipment and facilities earns you contraband to buy and upgrade weapons and supplies
-an overall good story line with some surprising plot twists
-decent voice acting and facial animation
-cool black & white / color concept according to Nazi controlled or liberated areas
-impressive color and art design
-some dialogue is genuinely funny
-fast loading screens

Bad:
-some side missions get repetitive
-too easily detected when trying to be stealthy (almost impossible to remain undiscovered throughout a whole mission)
-melee combat is sloppy and weak
-not enough vehicles on the road or countryside (sometimes you find yourself stranded in rural areas with no vehicles around)
-some cheesy dialogue
-side mission races are nothing special
-most vehicles are stiff to drive, but I suppose this is due to the authenticity of the vehicles during this time period
-a cliche story ending

Overall:
From scaling the walls of European city buildings in order to gain a better vantage point, to hijacking a town car for a fast getaway, The Saboteur makes you feel as if you're playing the offspring of an Assassin's Creed and Grand Theft Auto game (which is a good thing, as both are excellent franchises). While the game has its flaws, overall, I feel as if this game was slightly underrated. The Saboteur offers solid and fun game play, beautiful surroundings, and an entertaining storyline. I also believe details can make or break a game, and the small details this game comprises improves its enjoyability (e.g. the smoke and glowing embers from Sean lighting up a cigarette or Sean's dialogue "Where were we?" after being interrupted by a Nazi checkpoint. Overall, I think this game deserves more than it has received and it is definitely worth picking up if you have nothing else to play.